One of the ancient temples in Kerala, the Janardhana Swamy temple is a famous pilgrim destination in Varkala. It is said that the temple is 2000 years old, dating back to the 12th century. Facing the Papanasam beach, the temple offers devotees an aesthetic as well as a spiritual ambience. A flight of broad steps leads to the arched entrance of Janardhana temple and an old banyan tree that stands on the temple ground. Hindu pilgrims come to this temple to perform final rites for their deceased loved ones.